Single dad and Thunder Point's deputy sheriff "Mac" McCain has worked hard to keep his town safe and his daughter happy. Now he's found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they're feeling like teenagers themselves - suddenly they can't get enough of each other. And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac's long-lost ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning.

The Hero: Thunder Point, Book 3

Robyn Carr is a number-one New York Times best-selling author known for stories blending romance, warmth, and heartfelt charm. In The Hero, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees to the tiny, coastal town of Thunder Point, Oregon. There, she meets high school football coach Spencer Lawson, a widower focused on raising his young son. Neither of them are looking for love, but they may be the only ones who can heal their wounded hearts.

The Wanderer: Thunder Point, Book 1

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land’s unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he’s been left an old friend’s entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community’s destiny in his hands. Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

The Chance: A Thunder Point Novel

With its breathtaking vistas and down-to-earth people, Thunder Point is the perfect place for FBI agent Laine Carrington to recuperate from a gunshot wound and contemplate her future. The locals embraced Laine as one of their own after she risked her life to save a young girl from a dangerous cult. Knowing her wounds go beyond the physical, Laine hopes she'll fit in for a while and find her true self in a town that feels safe. She may even learn to open her heart to others, something an undercover agent has little time to indulge.

The Promise: Thunder Point, Book 5

Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating pool is limited. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

The Homecoming: Thunder Point, Book 6

At the age of 19, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been. Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken.

One Wish

Grace Dillon was a champion figure skater until she moved to Thunder Point to escape the ruthless world of fame and competition. And though she's proud of the quiet, self-sufficient life she's created running a successful flower shop, she knows something is missing. Her life could use a little excitement.

A New Hope

After losing her child, Ginger Dysart was lost in grief. But since moving to Thunder Point, a small town on the Oregon coast, Ginger is finally moving forward. Her job at the flower shop is peaceful and fulfilling, and she's excited to be assisting with the Lacoumette wedding.

Deep in the Valley: Grace Valley, Book 1

Welcome to Grace Valley, California - where blood runs thicker…ties are stronger…and love is all the more sweet. Visitors to the town often remark about the valley's peace and beauty - both of which are plentiful. Unlocked doors, front porches, pies cooling in the windows - this is country life at its finest. But visitors don't always see what lies at the heart of a community. Or just beyond.… June Hudson grew up in Grace Valley, the daughter of the town doctor. Leaving only to get her medical training, she returned home and followed in her father's footsteps.

Just Over the Mountain: Grace Valley Trilogy, Book 2

Here in this peaceful community, folks look out for one another like family, though sometimes a little too well. In a town like this, it's hard to keep a secret - but Dr. June Hudson has managed to keep one heck of a humdinger…. Though visits from her secret lover, undercover DEA agent Jim Post, are as clandestine as they are passionate, somehow it fits with her demanding schedule as the town's doctor - a calling that requires an innate ability to exist on caffeine, sticky buns and nerves of steel.

Down by the River: Grace Valley Trilogy, Book 3

June Hudson is the town's doctor, a caring, capable woman who now has a bit of explaining to do. People are beginning to notice the bloom in her cheeks - and the swell of her belly. Happily, DEA agent Jim Post is back in June's arms for good, newly retired from undercover work and ready for new beginnings here in Grace Valley. Expecting the unexpected is a way of life in Grace Valley, and the community is overflowing with gossip right now. Who is the secret paramour June's aunt Myrna is hiding? Does the town's poker-playing pastor have too many aces up his sleeve?

Never Too Late

Clare Wilson is starting over. She's had it with her marriage to a charming serial cheater. Even her own son thinks she's given his father too many chances. With the support of her sisters, Maggie and Sarah, she's ready to move on. Facing her 40th birthday, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated freedom.

Redwood Bend: A Virgin River Novel, Book 16

New York Times best-selling author Robyn Carr continues to charm fans with touching tales of romance in the small town of Virgin River. Redwood Bend finds Katie Malone and her twin boys stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. Katie is struggling to put on the spare when Dylan Childress and his biker buddies roll up. While the guys work on Katie’s car, Dylan and Katie take a good look at each other - and in that instant, their futures are transformed.

Shelter Mountain

Marine veteran John "Preacher" Middleton intimidates just about everyone who walks into his bar. But when an abused young mother comes in, seeking protection from her ex-husband, Preacher promises to become her guardian - and maybe something more.

Whispering Rock

In Robyn Carr's Whispering Rock, wounded LAPD Sergeant Mike Valenzuela finds the help and healing he needs in Virgin River. Now he longs for the marital bliss his Marine Corps buddies enjoy. And he thinks he's found the right woman. But after she's brutally attacked, Mike must show her how to trust again.

Hidden Summit

Contemporary romance fans hold a special place in their hearts for New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s Virgin River novels—set in a quiet town nestled deep in California Redwood territory. The 17th entry in the series, Hidden Summit stars Leslie Petruso and Conner Danson, two people burned by love and ready to give up on the whole proposition. But the chemistry between them is impossible to deny, and if everyone in town can see it, why can’t they?

Second Chance Pass: Virgin River, Book 5

Within a few short months, Vanessa buried her husband and birthed his son. When serendipity brings a man into her life again, her heart flutters anew. But just as he plans to reveal his love, another woman stakes her claim on him - a claim his sense of honor can't easily shake off.

Forbidden Falls: Virgin River, Book 8

Recently ordained minister Noah Kincaid is used to taking on new challenges, so he has no problem tackling the renovation of the long-abandoned Virgin River church. But that’s before he meets the stunningly beautiful—and stubbornly headstrong—Ellie Baldwin. She may not be exactly what Noah wants in an assistant, but she may be exactly what he needs.

Paradise Valley: Virgin River, Book 7

Best-selling author Robyn Carr pens a captivating tale from her Virgin River series in Paradise Valley. Rick Scudder joined the Marine Corps with high hopes, but left with a broken spirit and a shattered body. Pushing away everyone close to him, he forsakes the help of his surrogate father Jack and his longtime girlfriend Liz. Now Rick must find the strength to let Liz, who’s never given up on him, back into his heart.

Harvest Moon: A Virgin River Novel

Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock's sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she's retreated to her sister Jillian's house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate. Puttering in Jill's garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly's starting to feel a little too unmotivated… until she meets Lief Holbrook.

Bring Me Home For Christmas: A Virgin River Novel

RITA award winner Robyn Carr’s Virgin River novels are beloved by countless fans. This newest edition to Carr’s wholesome series will have listeners eagerly following each word as a new romance unfolds in the magical town of Virgin River - this time, during the holidays.

Temptation Ridge

In RITA Award-winning, New York Times best-selling author Robyn Carr’s Temptation Ridge, two lonely hearts are surprised by love while visiting the close-knit mountain community of Virgin River. Shelby, a sheltered and idealistic 25-year-old, doesn’t want to fall for a man like Luke. And 38-year-old Luke, a battle-hardened Blackhawk pilot, fears being hurt by a young lady like Shelby.

Angel’s Peak: Virgin River, Book 9

Robyn Carr’s best-selling Virgin River series captivates fans with stories of young men and women given second chances at love in a small northern California town. Four years ago, Sean and Franci broke up when he refused to commit. Now vacationing in Virgin River, Sean is shocked to run across Franci again. He’s grown up and wants to give things another shot, but she can’t afford to have him break her heart again.

Wild Man Creek: A Virgin River Novel

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Robyn Carr is renowned for her Virgin River series. When Colin Riordan is caught in a devastating helicopter crash, Virgin River seems like the ideal place to recover - both physically and emotionally. But when PR guru Jillian Matlock, who rents a Victorian home down the street, finds Colin trespassing, an instant connection blossoms between them - which leads to more than either expects.

Promise Canyon: A Virgin River Novel

Lilly Yazhi knows all she needs to know about Clay Tahoma. Sure, he’s got a certain appeal befitting his Navajo roots, but she’s not falling for Clay’s silent, “earthy” attractiveness. She certainly won’t make the same mistake as Clay’s ex-wife. Only trouble is, her heart and mind have committed to different resolves.

Publisher's Summary

Single dad and Thunder Point's deputy sheriff "Mac" McCain has worked hard to keep his town safe and his daughter happy. Now he's found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they're feeling like teenagers themselves - suddenly they can't get enough of each other. And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac's long-lost ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. Mac and Gina know they're meant to be together, but can their newfound love withstand the pressure?

I liked this audiobook, however the book description was a little misleading. I expected more of a love story between Mac and Gina, along with how they worked their families into a whole. This was not the case. This story is a continuation of Cooper and Sarah's romance and their issues, which might i say was great and excellent to listen to. I felt a lot more invested in them in this story. Having listened to the first in the series I now understand that it is going to be about the community of Thunder Point more than the romance of individual characters.Carr also brought teen love and heartache into this story. I actually cried for Ashley!!! I have children so for this to happen to one would be devastating. I really think Carr nailed it, the emotions, the out of control feelings of an adolescent. I have to add that if you are new to the Thunder Point series?, listen to The Wanderer (book 1) first as you will have a better understanding of the community and what Robyn Carr is trying to achieve in her novels.Lastly, and I know I always say this, but Therese Plummer is my favourite narrator, she is fantastic for this series and anything of hers I have listened to I have thought a better book due to her.

Carr takes up the first novel in this series and continues the story, giving us a few dozen new twists and turns that I could never have imagined. The same easy going writing style that we’ve come to know and love from this author is present along with some rather large emotional kicks. One of the best parts about this novel is how all-encompassing it is. Love & heartache do come to the forefront, but there are so many individuals involved and who care for each other in their day to day lives that it’s priceless.

The cast in Thunder Point grows by leaps in bounds in this instalment. This not only happens in size, but also in the characters themselves. The younger cast goes through some growing pains, helping them become the individuals who will be able to make it in the world. The adults however, go through personal changes on an even higher level. The growth yet stability that is present in so many of these characters is breathtaking. I also love how Carr takes one of the main characters and shows how he changes from being ‘the wanderer’ to being ‘the newcomer.’

As a whole this was an emotionally intense tale that draws you in and leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. You really become part of this community, and don’t want to leave it at the end of the book. It’s a good thing there’s still more to come from Thunder point.

I am a fan of Robyn Carr and have enjoyed everyone of her books that I have read or listened to. This book is no exception. It has a great story line and is equally enjoyable on its own or with others in the series.

While the Virgin River series just built upon the general relationships, this story was exclusively just a continuation of those started in the Wanderer. It started off with all sorts of things going wrong, and didn't ever reach the laugh out loud, sweet moments I so love with her books. I'll continue reading the series, but they won't be the first thing I download anymore.

I’ll start and end with a disclaimer. I’m a guy without any significant background reading romance genre books. Related books I read tend to be a bit more “women’s literature:” Sandra Dallas, Jane Smiley, Molly Harper and Willa Cather. (Plus several of Ms. Carr’s, such as Four Friends.) I’ve recently read a new paranormal romance writer, Ava Louise ("Intergalactic Matchmaking Service"), and an established one: Patricia Briggs. Among the men whose romances I read are Charles Martin and Nicholas Sparks. I have no history of reading “bodice rippers” although I’ve read enough bad / poorly written books over the years to know quickly what I won’t like. So, please understand I have a definite, but limited, basis for comparison.

The Newcomer is probably my fifth or sixth Robyn Carr book, more than I’ve listened to by any other Audible author except Molly Harper and Charles Martin. Why do I like her books so much? There is grit and complexity. In The Newcomer several themes – issues – are developed. How to raise children as a single parent (and then find love) is one, a common theme in these genres except … not all of the single parents are women and there are several examples illustrated (not just one) with different skills or lack thereof.

Another, smaller theme, is what happens when a person in a relationship withholds important relationship changing information because (s/he) thinks the other can’t or won’t cope. Again, multiple examples.

Finally, the biggest issue I saw in The Newcomer concerns what happens when one parent (not necessarily married) parts ways with the other because of a child or children … and then what happens when there is contact between that parent and the child(ren) many years later. Once more, we are treated to several examples of ways this might happen, ways the parent with custody of the child(ren) might respond when the missing parent re-emerges, and how children might respond. And ... how does the custodial parent facilitate the reintroduction, or not? Within limits Ms. Carr lets me decide how best such situations might best be handled … realizing there is no one right way that fits all. Again, men are not always the dopes. Although in real life we too often are, I accept.

Sounds a bit boring, doesn’t it? Well, I care about characters Ms. Carr creates (a sign of good writing) and enjoy the worlds they live in, worlds that do not require "willing suspension of disbelief" because the little details are off. (Ditto.) Ms. Carr keeps me reading and wanting more. In fact, my biggest problem is limiting the number of her books I buy to less than the number of credits I have available.

What about sex? Well, all these romance words make an appearance: Needy, claimed, hungry and length. And more. I’m not about to tell any woman if there are enough of these for your nighttime reading. I personally skip a few of these scenes (they just aren't quite sufficiently erotic from my male perspective), so perhaps you will find a sufficiency for your taste.

My ending disclaimer: I’m not in the writing or publishing business; I’m a reader. I don’t know Ms. Carr personally. No one asked me to review the book and I did not receive a free copy. In other words, this is just me and my thoughts.

While the title and description describes a newcomer, we didn't see her till near the end. And I was never afraid that the newcomer would get the guy. Not. Even. For. A. Second. This is really the continuing story of the already established couples of Thunder Point. We see Cooper and Sarah, and Mac and Gina to great effect. The real stand out was Ashley's story. Her heartbreak and now she and her mom handled it was a real eye opener about the consequences of social media and dating. I loved the story. But the description was incorrect.

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